Comments on: How do you curb nighttime snacking?

By: Seb

Seb — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:08:28 +0000

Make snacks less yummy. Use a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, such as Corsodyl in the UK. Chlorhexidine kills bugs, but it also blocks the sensations of saltyness and bitterness. This makes many snacks much less palatable and easier to resist. The effect seems to last about 3 hours.

By: K

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:08:09 +0000

Somethings that have been working for me is to make sure that I have a dinner that has a reasonable amount of healthy fats, protein and quality carbs. Also the biggest one that has really helped is working out later at night about 9pm. Not only does it curb my snack sensors but it also seems to help me drop weight quicker. I also find that trying to be too strict just doesn’t work. I’ve found better dessert choices. Such as one commentor mentioned vita brownies, or strawberries with fat-free whip cream. But I find that if I buy certain types of foods that are tempting than I have to pass. So chips, a whole cake, or boxes that have lots and lots of product don’t tend to work for me.

By: Alison

Alison — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:17:40 +0000

When I was in losing mode the nighttime snacking got really out of control where I’d save more than half of my points for dinner and beyond!

I think deep down it came from a fear that I would get hungry when I was sleeping and then I’d be unable to sleep. I’ve had experiences where I would wake hungry (mainly b/c my calorie consumption was so low).

I’m challenging those fears by eating a slightly bigger dinner and not snacking at night – on some nights. Instead I’ll have some tea which fills my tummy and gives me something to savor and enjoy. FYI Harney & Sons hot cinnamon spice/sunset tastes like big red gum and is very sweet (so sweet you have to wonder if it really does have calories). I have a big collection of teas.

I do still snack some nights. BUt other nights I’m learning to not eat and embrace the feeling of going to bed slightly hungry. It isn’t so bad!

I’m trying to teach myself not to binge. I have times in the month where I do end up bingeing (and I’m not talking about a laughing cow and flatout – I’m talking about whole jar of peanut butter and half a box of cookies for instance). It’s getting better and I think part of it is learning to forgive myself when I overeat. Learning to focus on my spirtual life and the power God has in my life instead of food. And trying to eliminate the diet mindset and focus on healthy eating instead.

Last night I had some pita puffs and chocolate. Maybe I “shouldn’t” have eaten them, but it was controlled for me and I’m not beating myself up today. That is all I can do for now :)

By: Connie

Connie — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:25:14 +0000

I am a night time snacker. I don’t think I can ever get rid of it because of the “relaxing” effect of it but I am learning to live with it.
I usually have some fruit with my husband while watching TV. Some sunflower seeds in shell to keep me busy. After that if I still want something, I usually start from Good Earth team (sweet cinnamon flavor does the trick) -> A cup of HOT almond milk with cinnamon really fills you up. After that usually I am really full.
Once a month if I really want to binge, I eat 1/4 flatout with laughing cow. Even I give in 4 times, It is 1 flatout (100 cal) + 4 laughing cow (140 cal). It is 240 cal, which is a lot. But it is binge night and much better than bread, nuts, butter and chocolates — together can run up to 500 or more!

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:41:42 +0000

I go to bed….works the best for me and I know when I wake up, I have 24 more points to eat. This works most of the time. I lay there with my belly just asking for it, but I really can wait til the morning. I think that NONE of us know what it really feels like to be starving. It is just wanting something.

By: Deanna - The Unnatural Mother

Deanna - The Unnatural Mother — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:51:55 +0000

Green tea and candy canes. I figured it out over Christmas and stocked up on candy canes when they were on sale. I can’t believe how it curbs my late night snacking and satisfies me too, I am usally a salty gal but I think the time it takes to eat, and the crunchiness really helps me.

By: Annalisa

Annalisa — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:52:17 +0000

There’s a few changes I made recently that has helped….I build it into my daily allotment, If I feel snacky I change rooms to signal that I’m all done, read instead of watch TV (New Years Resolution), or go to bed.

By: Nina

Nina — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:29:10 +0000

I’d say, as you get bouts of night-time snacking since you can remember, you should ask yourself if it is a habit you want to get rid of. If yes, try to become aware of it and find a replacement.

If not, accept them, plan ahead and develop recipes. Prepare something healthy and delicious for those moments. This way, you don’t feel guilty about it and you don’t start weird and high-caloric experiments.

When you feel like chocolate, try to melt a little on a banana. Eating one half or even one whole is nice, but at least I would get sick if I ate more. Other fruit also works, but banana is the most filling, it’s like two or more bars of chocolate but saves you the calories. A drink of hot chocolate with low-fat milk and not so much sugar also often does the trick.

Or maybe you should drink some water first? Hunger is often mistaken for thirst. And even if you still feel like eating something because your craving is inspired by your mind rather than your stomach, you cannot eat that much after drinking water because your belly is filled a little already.

By: Reinaldo

Reinaldo — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:03:48 +0000

I make celery and carrot sticks a few hours before. Add some hummus. Dip in.

Yes, I know, yuck. But really you dont need something “tasty”, you just need somthing to chew on without even see or taste what it is. Mindless eating at its fullest. After a while it becomes a really good taste. Also chewing hard raw carrots really makes you full.

Also I dont keep crackers or cookies in the house.

By: Kasey

Kasey — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:16:13 +0000

As a lifestyle coach for clients trying to lose weight, night time snacking is a topic we discuss ALL the time!!

I think the best way to avoid overeating after hours is to ensure you are filling up with high-quality protein all day long (think small portions every 2 hours).

When your body feels satisfied, you are less likely to crave fattening extras!! Also, if its a psychological thing, adjust your favorites to include a lower calorie substitute.

For example, if you love ice cream, try frozen yogurt or plain yogurt with berries. If you like salty things, opt for healthy pop and portion out amounts to your family members (so you don’t eat the whole bag)!

For more tips, checkout trim360.com